Police in Penticton say they’re continuing to investigate reports of loud explosions that have occurred at various locations throughout the city.
RCMP say the explosions have occurred either late in the evening or into the early morning hours over the past several days.
On Thursday night, another explosion was heard, with police searching McNicoll Park.
It’s believed improvised explosive devices are being detonated.
Parents and residents in the surrounding area say they’re concerned.
“It’s quite concerning, I mean, it’s just like finding needles in the playground,” said Greg Hamm, a parent who lives a block away from one of the bomb sites.
“Its serious, life-threatening stuff. It’s a concern for sure.”
Penticton RCMP did hold a press conference to address some of the communities concerns that have been circulating on social media.
“Anybody could be developing (these devices), to experiment with small explosions,” said Const. James Grandy.
“We do not think it is a significant threat to the public. However, we are extremely concerned with the motivations and where these bombs are occurring.”
Earlier in the day, police issued a press release regarding Thursday night’s explosions.
“On the evening of March 11, experts from the RCMP’s explosives disposal unit attended the Penticton area to further support the investigation into the recent explosions that have been reported,” said RCMP Sgt. Andrew Baylis.
“As part of their investigation and in the process of collecting additional evidence, the explosives disposal unit planned and conducted two different controlled detonations of their own. These controlled detonations resulted in further calls from the public and garnered social media attention from those who heard the loud bangs.
“These planned explosions were conducted by the explosives disposal unit in a safe manner and posed no threat to the public. The Penticton RCMP with the assistance of the RCMP’s explosives disposal unit continue to actively investigate this matter.”
Investigators are comparing the improvised explosive devices to a home experiment.
If you have any information on this matter, notice any suspicious activities or find any suspicious items, you’re asked to call the Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300.
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